Anne Butcher. Her thoughts that count.

30 Movies in 30 Days: Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping

Had I seen it before: Yes! I first saw this movie in theaters and fell in love with it. It is one of my faves and one I knew I wanted to share with other friends, so it was only a matter of time before I bought the DVD.

What IMDb says: When it becomes clear that his solo album is a failure, a former boy band member does everything in his power to maintain his celebrity status.

Requirements fulfilled: No new requirements fulfilled.

Why I picked it: I wanted something relatively short that wouldn’t make me think too hard. And this is one is a reliable standby in that regard, even if it’s less than two years old.

What I liked about it: This one is just straight up funny. I always describe it as This is Spinal Tap but with they humor of the Lonely Island. If you have enjoyed classics such as “Dick in a Box” or “I’m On a Boat” but have yet to watch Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, you need to get on it. The songs in this movie reach that same standard of hilarity as do many other moments throughout the film.

In addition to laughs, the story itself is good and well structured. Unlike This is Spinal Tap which is chock full of funny jokes but is somewhat lacking in storytelling, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping establishes conflicts, gradually adds more and more layers to them as the film progresses, and ultimately lets the tension release in a satisfying conclusion. I am more invested in these characters in ACT 3 than I was in ACT 1, which I can’t really say about This is Spinal Tap.

What I didn’t like about it: One of things I noticed on this viewing is that this movie is not a particularly great one to watch alone. Part of the fun of watching it in the past has been sharing it with other friends who I knew would love it. It’s one of those movies where it’s really fun to watch people who haven’t seen it watch it when you know what’s coming.

It’s somewhat disheartening to learn that this might not be one of those movies I can watch over and over again the way I thought I would be able to. It’s just not as funny and frankly parts of it kind of drag on when you already know where the plot is headed.

Would I watch it again: Probably, but most likely it will be with friends or after I’ve waited a REALLY long time and have forgotten more of the jokes.